Washington, D.C. -- President Barack Obama is praising Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's discipline, stamina and thoughtfulness as she prepares to leave his Cabinet.

In a joint interview that aired Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes," Obama says their shared vision for America's role in the world persuaded his one-time rival, and potential successor, to be his top diplomat while he dealt with the shattered economy at home.

The duo's joint interview, the president's first with anyone other than the first lady, is likely to stoke speculation that Obama may prefer Clinton to succeed him in the White House after the 2016 elections.

Clinton says she and Obama "care deeply about what's going to happen for our country in the future."